skip to main content skip to footer

Likely Impact of the GRE Writing Measure on Graduate Admission Decisions GRE

Author(s):
Powers, Donald E.; Fowles, Mary E.
Publication Year:
2014
Source:
Wendler, Cathy; Bridgeman, Brent (eds.) with assistance from Chelsea Ezzo. The Research Foundation for the GRE revised General Test: A Compendium of Studies. Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service, 2014, p5.3.1-5.3.4
Document Type:
Chapter
Page Count:
4
Subject/Key Words:
Graduate Record Examination (GRE), General Test (GRE), Revised GRE, Graduate School, Graduate Admissions, GRE Writing Assessment, GRE Board

Abstract

Reports on a study that was conducted prior to the introduction of the Analytical Writing measure that examined the likely impact of Analytical Writing scores on graduate admission decisions. Graduate faculty members, representing 23 departments, each reviewed simulated admission folders that contained information on the applicant’s GRE General Test scores, GRE Analytical Writing measure score, undergraduate GPA, and a simulated personal statement and recommendation from an undergraduate professor. The Analytical Writing score had a statistically significant, but small, impact on admissions decisions. Half of the participating faculty could review the actual essay and not just the score, but this had no significant impact on admissions decisions.

Read More